Scott Drew and the Baylor Bears are retooling for the 2025 season after a second-round exit in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, and they got off to a great start on Monday with the addition of former Oregon State power forward Michael Rataj.
Rataj, originally from Germany, has spent the last three seasons in Corvalis and was a four-star prospect in the class of 2022.
Listed at 6-foot-9, 220 pounds, Rataj led the Beavers in scoring this past season and earned First-Team All-WCC as a result. In 32 games, Rataj averaged 16.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and two assists per game, all while shooting 48.4% from the field and 35.1% from deep.
Rataj played 87 games in his three-year career with the Beavers and brings a wealth of experience with him to Waco in 2025.
A patient scorer and aggressive rebounder, Rataj will give the Bears a versatile player who can serve several roles for Drew’s squad.
The Bears finished eighth in the Big 12 this season, wrapping up the year with a 20-15 record and a 10-10 record in conference play.
